<p>tasmom makes a good point about the USC interview. If you’re interested in majoring in a competitive program at any school and want to select it on the app, then consider scheduling an interview if you think you can interview well. It’s one more way that you can stand out. They sometimes claim that interviews don’t make any difference to the success rate in admissions (statistically), but that really depends how you come across in the interview. Good interviewees very likely have a slight admission advantage. Its just another screening tool for the school.</p>
<p>If you can impress them with your interests and are well-spoken, then go for it. If you feel like the interview may hinder your chances (i.e. being indecisive, using a lot of ahhhs and umms!, not researching the program/school), then dont bother. You have to go into it prepared and determined to impress. Dont sweat too much over your choice of major, though. Just be clear about which major to prioritize at each school, how much you want it, and whether an interview might give you an advantage. Journalism, Business, Economics will all get you where you want to be if you have a plan.</p>
<p>It sounds like youre not too keen on adding a lot more risk. Stanford is definitely a High Reach and Im not sure youre going to see the payoff there. Your odds are better for UCB if you wanted to add another Reach. But if you decide to add just a bit more risk then consider eliminating your least favorite Low Match and adding a Match/Semi-Reach. Boston U or GWU might be appealing if youre more interested in larger cities. Dont let that recent financial aid scandal at GWU bother you either, it likely wont affect you now. Be sure to consider the travel costs for eastern schools.</p>
<p>I think you said somewhere that youre re-taking the ACT? If so, then the number of schools in each category might change, depending on your score.</p>